RBI Instructs Banks To Ensure Smoother Accessibility To PwD

Highlighting that all sections of the population, including differently-abled persons, are increasingly adopting digital payment systems, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed the scheduled commercial banks to review and modify their payment systems to ensure easier accessibility to persons with disabilities.

“All sections of the population, including differently-abled persons, are increasingly adopting digital payment systems. To promote effective access, payment system participants (PSPs, that is, banks and authorised non-bank payment system providers) are advised to review their payment systems/devices in terms of accessibility to Persons with Disabilities,” stated the apex bank in a circular issued on Friday.

The central bank stated that based on the review, the banks may carry out the necessary modifications, such that all their payment systems and devices, such as point-of-sale machines, can be accessed and used by persons with disabilities with ease.

The apex bank asked the banks to refer to the accessibility standards issued by the Finance Ministry in February.

“PSPs shall submit to the Reserve Bank, within one month of the date of issue of this circular, details of their systems/devices that need to be modified, along with a time-bound plan of action for achieving the same,” stated the apex bank in the circular.

The RBI also said that while selecting potential solutions for the purpose, care should be taken to ensure that the modifications or enhancements do not compromise the security aspects of their systems.